Illinois Budget 2.27.09

Friday

Feb 27, 2009 at 12:01 AMFeb 27, 2009 at 6:21 AM

Illinois Budget 2.27.09

Illinois Budget 2.27.09

Here are the top Illinois stories coming today from GateHouse News Service. Stories are available at www.gatehousenewsservice.com. Please check www.gatehousenewsservice.com/regional_news/midwest/illinois/news in the evening for changes to story lineup, including breaking news.

If your paper has a story, digest item, opinion piece or standalone photo to share, please e-mail it to Illinois@gatehousemedia.com.

SPREADING THE WORDS: For a variety of reasons, literary societies have gone the way of stock portfolios. But people in Jacksonville having been taking them seriously for a long time. By Steven Spearie (NOTE EMBARGO)
http://www.gatehousenewsservice.com/regional_news/midwest/illinois/x844647408/Spreading-the-words-Literary-societies-a-long-tradition-in-Jacksonville

STATE BRIEFS: News from around the state. Will be posted this evening.

AL-MARRI: A federal grand jury has indicted Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri -- a former West Peoria man -- for allegedly conspiring with others to help the al Qaeda terrorist organization. By Andy Kravetz. http://www.gatehousenewsservice.com/features/x1362389470/Al-Marri-indicted-on-terrorism-related-charges

IDOT SECRETARY: Colleagues say they expect Gov. Pat Quinn will name longtime state Rep. Gary Hannig, D-Litchfield, to head the Illinois Department of Transportation. By Doug Finke. (WILL BE UPDATED) http://www.gatehousenewsservice.com/regional_news/midwest/illinois/x1959829461/Breaking-news-Hannig-to-be-tapped-for-IDOT-post

HOSPITAL AID: As expected, Gov. Pat Quinn approves borrowing more than $500 million out of special state funds to provide aid to state hospitals. Colindres. http://www.gatehousenewsservice.com/regional_news/midwest/illinois/x617070872/Quinn-OKs-borrowing-500M-to-help-hospitals

GOVERNOR TRANSITION: Lawmakers are looking at changing state law to allow Gov. Pat Quinn to fold the duties and employees of his old lieutenant governor office into the governor's office because there is no lieutenant governor. By Naing. For Saturday.

GOVERNMENT REFORM: The second in the series covering state officials' efforts to clean up state government, this time focusing on disclosure of ethics violations by state employees and a possible Web site for state government information, including employee salaries. By Colindres. For the weekend. WITH BREAKOUT

STATEHOUSE INSIDER: By Doug Finke. For Sunday.

PLUGGED-IN LAWMAKERS: A new study shows more lawmakers are using technology to connect with voters. But GateHouse-area legislative results are mixed: some legislators take full advantage of the Internet and its offerings, while others are less e-savvy. By Andrew Thomason. (NOTE EMBARGO) http://www.gatehousenewsservice.com/regional_news/midwest/illinois/x1362389452/Plugged-in-lawmakers-Study-shows-Illinois-pols-starting-to-embrace-technology

BRADY FOR GOV: State Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, who placed third in a primary for governor in 2006, is renewing his bid for the state’s top office with a four-city fly-around planned for Monday. SJR. http://www.gatehousenewsservice.com/regional_news/midwest/illinois/x617070965/Bill-Brady-making-four-stops-to-announce-run-for-governor

DONKEY: Boone County seized eight horses, 10 goats, six donkeys, a sheep and a pair of cats in addition to the 103 dogs it took last year from a Capron property. Dixie, a donkey, was at greatest risk. But now she’s doing well thanks to a woman who wanted to help the underdog, or as she says, “underdonkey.” By Kevin Haas. http://www.gatehousenewsservice.com/regional_news/midwest/illinois/x594727762/Dixie-the-Donkey-gets-a-second-chance-at-life

ELIZABETH DAVIES: We need to teach kids good sense so they don’t start sexting in the first place. http://www.gatehousenewsservice.com/lifestyle/family/x1362388903/Elizabeth-Davies-We-need-to-teach-kids-good-sense
-- NOTE: This is Davies’ last column for a couple months – she’s going on maternity leave.

BACK ON TRACK (for Saturday): A four-man senior class felt good about getting Illinois basketball headed in the right direction. Now comes finishing the home season in style against league-leading Michigan State. By John Supinie. Moving this afternoon.

COACH ON THE FLOOR (for Sunday): Senior point guard Chester Frazier's playing style and desire to be a coach reminds Bruce Weber a little bit about himself. Serves as Illinois-Michigan State preview. With preview capsule. By John Supinie. Moving Saturday afternoon.

GAME STORY (for Monday): Illinois hosts Michigan State. Tipoff 3 p.m. Game story with quotes and report card moving by 7 p.m.
Note: Second story available from Peoria Journal Star columnist Bill Liesse.

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